Recommended Skid Plates for Moderate Trails

[DKAwildcat]

I’m planning a trip this fall to the San Juan mountains for the first time. We’ll definitely hit the Alpine Loop and it’s offshoot trails, Yankee Basin, and perhaps some other trails on our trek through Colorado. I have a stock 2018 JLU Sahara (no lift or bigger tires) and don’t plan to drive any trail that’s rated higher than “moderate”. What skid plates, if any, would you recommend for moderate trails that may have some larger rocks to go over and/or may have some stairs?

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[bd100]

Autumn is awesome in that area. Golden aspen trees all over. But watch for snow and trail closures.

If you don't have LT tires, I'd start there, just for puncture resistance. Probably an all-terrain tread. Mine came back from Ouray with all the sidewalls scrubbed by rocks, but no punctures.

Little skid plates for the rear control arms and shocks. Very little weight, but those locations get scraped all the time.

Something for the transmission lines and oil pan. I happen to use a Quadratec aluminum skid, which comes with a steel cross beam for support, but it hangs down a little more than some. You can keep the stock stuff for the transfer case and fuel tank.

If you still have the stock shocks, now's a good time to replace them. Our stock shocks were leaking after a single week in the Ouray area. Now we have Bilstein 5100s.

Maybe take off those side steps.

A trailer hitch skid to add while off road.

A big tire pump and tire plug kit.

Take your pick of satellite comms. For now, I use Garmin Inreach Mini 2. Bookmark
https://offroadportal.org/
in case you need it. You can text them via satellite for offroad rescue w/o bothering the emergency services. Good for when you just need some help but nobody's in real medical danger. You can also text people back at base camp from a mountain out of cell range.

A tow strap. There will always be someone around to help you eventually, but it isn't swamp and mud so usually there's no need for it, nor a winch, so long as you are not on hard trails.

Some GMRS or FRS radios to talk to a group, a spotter, or a rescue team as they approach.

Some maps and nav, including off vehicle in case you have to walk out of something.

Do a search for the "Ten Essentials" for hikers. Do a search. It's a list of stuff to have when you are far from civilization.

 

[bd100]

... and maybe spend a day or two in Ouray at 8000ft before going up high. I ended up with mild altitude sickness a few years ago, despite chugging the water. I'll be bringing an adventure watch to monitor O2 levels this time, one for each member of the family, because we intend to hike more this time.

Twice we saw other people up high in tour groups who were obviously feeling really bad. Be aware and get them down immediately.

 

[R3TRO]

Rear diff skid and rear shock mounts skid. The two areas that I hit the most on stock suspension. I went with these two... MetalCloak.

 

[WillnUtah]

I did the same as R3TRO and added ASFIR aluminum engine, trans, and transfer case skid plates.

 

[AZ Hella]

The factory transfer case and gas tank skids are sufficient for almost any trail. I also run the ASFIR engine/transmission skid plate and have abused it for 6 years without issue. I ended up putting on an ASFIR frond diff cover skid as well along with the RC rear lower control arm/shock skids and rear diff skid. Those 2 RC items are a good value for your dollar if you don't mind buying Chinese steel in this current political environment.

 

[Ratbert]

I haven't been on anything in the San Juans that would warrant additional skids.

At least not with a Rubicon on 33s.

 

[ColonelSanders]

You won’t need aftermarket skids for moderate trails. If anything get rear shock and rear diff skids. Your steps will likely be the first thing damaged. Side rails meant for rocks and higher clearance would be good for steps over 12”. Just drag slow and controlled if you are going to drag your belly.

Maybe get some glue tread, an inflator, and a bottle jack with axle cradle.

 

[DKAwildcat]

Thanks so much for the responses!! It looks like I have some shopping to do. I have a tow strap, snatch strap, hard and soft shackles, Smittybilt inflator, tire plug kit, FRS/GMRS radios, onX Off-road Premium for navigation, tools, as well as a few other things. My Jeep is my daily driver so my tires are VREDESTEIN PINZA AT SL (on-road all-terrain) since 98% of my driving is in the midwest (Kansas City) on pavement.

 

[Ratbert]

Thanks so much for the responses!! It looks like I have some shopping to do. I have a tow strap, snatch strap, hard and soft shackles, Smittybilt inflator, tire plug kit, FRS/GMRS radios, onX Off-road Premium for navigation, tools, as well as a few other things. My Jeep is my daily driver so my tires are VREDESTEIN PINZA AT SL (on-road all-terrain) since 98% of my driving is in the midwest (Kansas City) on pavement.

Not sure about the tires, but the trails aren't difficult. They are, however, gorgeous.

 

[bd100]

Yea, gotta remember to watch the road instead of the scenery! Those cliff edges are close...

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